THE MAKINGS OF ME - MONICA
Monica’s seasoned pipes have always set her a cut above peers who get by on dance routines and/or barely there vocals. While “The Makings of Me” has its needless trend-chasing moments, her rich voice and prime subject matter are the main draw. The Swizz Beatz-produced “Raw” expertly blends her rolling alto with a spicy drum-driven beat, and the catchy piano melody of “Why Her” sounds a lot like Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” (both were produced by Jermaine Dupri). Basic ballads like “My Everything” and “Getaway” find Monica in true vocalist form, but her street twang and rapping persona walk a thin line between natural (”Sideline Ho”) and forced (”Gotta Move”). Also to be avoided is the finger-snapping single “Everytime Tha Beat Drop,” thankfully the only song of its kind here. Monica is good enough without the fluff. Billboard
